The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) have begun high-level talks to advance the modernisation of bus operations in Lagos under the state’s Bus Reform Initiative (BRI).

The discussions, held in Lagos, focused on aligning transport stakeholders on key operational and institutional reforms needed to implement the initiative across Lagos’ Quality Bus Corridors (QBCs).

The meeting was facilitated by an auto stakeholder, Olamide Afolabi, with both parties exploring strategies to improve the structure and efficiency of public transportation in the state.

Among the major issues discussed were vehicle standards for the introduction of modern bus fleets, the restructuring of transport operators and union members into cooperatives or corporate entities, and the establishment of maintenance frameworks to ensure long-term fleet efficiency and reliability.

Under the BRI, the Lagos State Government plans to replace ageing, unregulated buses with safer, higher-capacity vehicles and deploy Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) to improve monitoring and operations.

The initiative also seeks to expand digital ticketing and cashless fare payment systems to enhance commuter convenience and streamline fare collection.

Representatives from the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation at the meeting included Olasunkanmi Ojowuro and Tiamiyu Oluwatosin.

The LAMATA delegation comprised Kemi Amure, Osa Konyeha and Kolawole Ojelabi. Lasisi Ahmed Taiwo led the RTEAN team.

The engagement reflects ongoing collaboration between transport regulators and operators as Lagos intensifies efforts to build a more structured, technology-driven and commuter-focused transport system.

Both parties are expected to reconvene next week to finalise a formal agreement on the implementation framework for the reforms.